Questions about the NDIS?

28th February 2018

The NDIS is exciting, but it can also be a confusing time trying to understand how everything will work. In addition to a new way of receiving supports, there are a lot of new terms being used. We break down some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding the NDIS so far.

Can I get respite under the NDIS?

Currently there are no items listed under NDIS specifically as ‘respite’, which has caused confusion. However, support hours are funded by the NDIS as they relate to your goals. Respite is available, but in ways you may not be used to describing, such as:

Shared support including support in the community; weekend, after school or morning support; assistance with community access, assistance with personal care, support with implementing therapy programs.

Assistance with self-care overnight (different levels)

In a nutshell this means that respite options such as flexi, in-home respite, centre based day respite or overnight respite can be funded as part of plans, providing you’re eligible.

I know that I need to meet with an NDIA planner to work out what support I need. Should I start preparing for that meeting now, or is it too soon?

It’s never too soon to start planning and thinking about your future! Have a good think about your goals and the extra support you might need to reach them. We understand it can feel overwhelming, so we have produced a simple NDIS pre-planning workbook with step-by-step instructions so you can start thinking about what your life might look like in the future. You can find it here.

After I’ve made a plan with an NDIA planner, who works out how much funding I am eligible for?

The NDIA will calculate the amount based on your plan, which outlines the services that you will need to reach your goals.

We strongly recommend that you go into the planning meeting ready to explain what you need to reach your goals, rather than with a specific dollar figure in mind. Consider your needs in terms of hours - how many hours a week do you spend in therapy; how many hours of personal support? The NDIA will multiply the hours of support that they deem reasonable and necessary to assist to reach your goals by their hourly rate as listed in the NDIS price guide.

CPL will also help you prepare by providing a statement that explains all the support you get now in terms of services and hours.

Will I get money for 12 months at a time or longer? And who is responsible for managing it?

You will have a 12-month individual budget. About five per cent of current NDIS participants are choosing to purchase supports and claim reimbursements themselves, but most have chosen to ask their disability service provider to bill the NDIA directly.

If you are interested in taking some control over your purchases and payments, you can work with an approved Fund Manager. This is similar to the Queensland Government’s Your Life Your Choice Program available now. You can find out more by contacting CPL’s My Life Consultancy on 1800 275 573.

Do insurance payouts affect NDIS eligibility?

An insurance payout is income that will directly affect the amount of Disability Pension (DSP) that a person receives each fortnight. DSP is assessed by Centrelink and is completely external to NDIS. Some people who have received a large payout for their injury will actually receive very little or no DSP at all until such time as their payout funds are exhausted.

Eligibility for NDIS is purely about the person’s disability and is not means tested at this time.

At CPL, we provide disability support for people of all ages, helping them grow beyond expectations, seize new opportunities and do amazing things with their lives. From early intervention, to education, personal growth and employment, CPL provides the solutions, services and support to help you create the life you really want.